The problem
Certain blue bird my 2006 all american front and rear engine school buses manufactured from december 6, 2004, through april 8, 2005. The interior side wall panels fail to conform to the joint strength requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 221, School bus body joint strength.
The risk
In the event of a crash, the panels can separate exposing the passengers to serious injury.
The fix
Blue bird will notify its customers and repair the affected buses free of charge. The recall began may 26, 2005. Owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.
Contacts
Customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.Safercar.Gov.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Blue Bird dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 05V190000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.